Creation of an e‐business requirements specification model

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to describe the creation of an e‐business functional requirements definition model using a case study process.

Design/methodology/approach

The creation of this model was the subject of a research project, the hypothesis of which is that it is possible to produce a model that can be used in real life situations to specify, using objective reasoning, the e‐business requirements of an organisation.

Findings

The research demonstrated a practical method of creating and refining this model and further was able to demonstrate that there were reasonable prospects of converging towards a stable model.

Research limitations/implications

The paper has demonstrated that it has produced an acceptable model by using a case study process that gives sound results. It is also felt that it has validated the basic research method that was adopted.

Practical implications

An innovative tool has been created whereby a specification of e‐business requirements can be created in a matter of a few hours, compared with the weeks' or months' worth of effort often involved in the use of the traditional business systems analysis process. Based on the operating characteristics of a company and the concerns of its management, the specification avoids the prejudices of consultants and vested interests of salesmen.

Originality/value

The computerised rule‐based system is easy to use and leads to a significant reduction in the time taken to generate an accurate functional specification. In addition, it provides a useful way of generating overall insights and communicating an e‐business requirements picture at a management summary level.

Citation

Dilworth, J. and Kochhar, A.K. (2007), "Creation of an e‐business requirements specification model", Journal of Manufacturing Technology Management, Vol. 18 No. 6, pp. 659-677. https://doi.org/10.1108/17410380710763840